Hartford Group Launches English-Language Latino News Site

A small group of journalists and professionals flipped on the switch Monday to a new English-language Latino news site, offering different angles and new perspectives on issues pertinent to Latinos, a population that continues to grow in the state and throughout the nation.

The site, CTLatinoNews.com, is part of the Latino News Network, a group of southern New England journalism efforts. It targets the growing Latino market that is English-dominant, hoping to create a voice for those Latinos in the state while also engaging non-Latinos.

Connecticut's Latino population numbers about 480,000, or about 13 percent of the state, according to theU.S. Census Bureau.

"We are providing a balanced view on issues, and we feel strongly that this isn't a pro-Latino or anti-Latino site; this is journalism at its best," said Diane Alverio, publisher of CT Latino News. "The Latino population in the state continues to grow, and it is becoming an important part of the economic fabric in the state."

Though local issues will be the site's bread and butter, said Alverio, the site will have coverage on education, politics, business and consumer issues. A staff of five leads the site's numerous reporters and contributors. Rod Carveth serves as the site's managing editor. Keith Griffin serves as news editor. The venture is backed by Alverio and three other partners.

There has been success so far finding advertisers for the site, Alverio said, because advertisers are "interested in reaching this segment of the Latino market."

The site has established media partnerships with The Connecticut Mirror, CT Capitol Report and the Connecticut Health I-Team.